The coast of Gujarat and the hinterland are now safe because the cyclone that was threatening to stampede Saurashtra and Kutch is moving towards West Asia.

The coast of Gujarat and the hinterland are now safe because the cyclone that was threatening to stampede Saurashtra and Kutch is moving towards West Asia.

The storm, which brew in the Arabian Sea, raised an alarm with gusty winds and rain lashing parts of the state.

“The cyclone is moving away from Gujarat towards Oman (in West Asia). Though it will swerve towards the Pakistan coast later, it will be considerably weakened by then,” said Kamaljit Ray, director, India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ahmedabad.

“The cyclone spillover effect will now bring some rain,” Ray added.

Danger averted, Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Secretary A.K. Joti met senior officials on the steps to be taken. So far eight persons have died due to stormy conditions.